Are Metal File Cabinets Fire Proof?

Metal file cabinets are a staple in many offices and organizations for storing important documents and records safely and securely. However, a common question that arises is – are metal file cabinets fireproof? The short answer is no, metal file cabinets on their own are typically not completely fireproof, but they do offer more fire resistance and protection compared to other types of cabinets. In this article, we’ll explore in detail the fire resistance capabilities of metal file cabinets and steps you can take to make them more fireproof.

How Fire Resistant Are Metal File Cabinets?

Metal file cabinets are constructed from steel which is naturally more resistant to fire than other materials like wood or plastics. The metal helps retard the spread of flames, and thick steel used in most filing cabinets takes longer to heat up and weaken in a fire. Here are some of the fire-resistant properties of metal file cabinets:

• Thicker steel offers more protection – File cabinets made from thicker, high-quality steel (usually 16 to 20 gauge) provide greater fire resistance than thinner steel. They take longer to heat up and fail when exposed directly to fire.
• Limited fire protection from outside – While contents inside the drawers may burn, the external steel cabinet provides a protective barrier from external flames and heat. This can slow down the spread of fire internally.
• Built using non-combustible materials – Unlike wood cabinets, metal file cabinets are built using non-combustible steel. This prevents them from igniting and fueling the fire’s spread.

However, while metal cabinets offer more fire resistance versus other materials, they do not provide full fireproofing. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat or fire can eventually cause the steel to weaken, melt, or create openings that allow flames to penetrate inside. Fire ratings give an indication of how fire resistant a cabinet may be.

Typical Fire Resistance Ratings

Not all metal filing cabinets have the same level of fire resistance. Here are some of the common fire resistance ratings:

• No rating – Most standard metal file cabinets have no specified fire rating or just minimal fire resistance.
• Class B rating – These cabinets are built with high melting point steel and can withstand external temperatures of up to 1850°F for 30 minutes. Internal temperatures may still get hot enough to burn papers inside.
• Class C rating – More heavy-duty file cabinets that can resist external temperatures of 1850°F for 1 hour before internal temperatures rise significantly. Offers better protection for contents.
• Class D rating – Highest rating for storage cabinets, made with multiple layers of insulating materials. Withstands external temperatures of 1850°F for over 2 hours while maintaining cool internal temperatures. Provides most fireproofing.
• 1-Hour, 2-Hour ratings – Specifies the number of hours the cabinet can withstand fire exposure before failing. Similar to Class C and Class D ratings.

So while Class C or Class D rated cabinets provide the most fire resistance, even standard metal cabinets offer some degree of fire protection versus other materials.

Tips to Make Metal File Cabinets More Fireproof

Here are some additional tips to enhance the fire resistance of your metal filing cabinets:

Choose High-Quality Thick Steel Cabinets

Opt for all-steel construction with thicker steel Gauge ratings of 16 or higher. Avoid thin steel or metal alloys which melt faster. High melting point steel contains more iron and conducts heat slower.

Use Fire-Resistant Coatings

Apply specialized heat and fire-resistant paints, powders or other coatings formulated to expand and create an insulating barrier when exposed to high temperatures. These can buy several hours of protection.

Fireproof Insulation Inside Cabinets

Consider adding fireproof insulation material made of mineral wool or calcium silicate inside the drawers and filing cabinet body. Avoid combustible insulation. This provides added protection for documents.

Fire-Rated File Cabinets

Purchase ready-made fire-rated waterproof file cabinets that meet 1-hour or 2-hour fire test standards. These incorporate multi-layered designs and materials to prevent fire penetration.

Water Sprinkler System

Installing supervised automatic water sprinklers above or inside the cabinets can put out a fire in early stages before extensive damage occurs. This significantly improves fire safety.

Fire Suppression Canisters

Canisters containing flame retardant chemicals can be placed inside cabinets which are triggered by a fire to automatically release extinguishing agents and cool the cabinets’ interior.

By taking the right precautions, metal file cabinets can be made significantly more fire-resistant and provide adequate fire safety for important records and documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all metal filing cabinets fireproof?

No, standard metal file cabinets without specific fire resistant ratings only provide basic fire resistance but are not completely fireproof. To be considered fireproof, cabinets must achieve certain fire test standards and incorporate specialized materials.

What rating makes a filing cabinet fireproof?

Look for file cabinets rated for 1-hour or 2-hour fire resistance. Class C (1 hour rated) or Class D (over 2 hour rating) are recommended for fireproof cabinets. These withstand extreme temperatures for longer to prevent content damage.

Is a Class B metal cabinet fireproof?

No, Class B metal cabinets are only built with higher melting point steel but are not fully fireproof. They provide fire resistance for short periods (up to 30 minutes) but internal temperatures can still get hot enough to damage contents.

Should I get wood or metal cabinets?

For fire safety, all-metal filing cabinets are highly recommended over wood cabinets. Metal is non-combustible and retardant to fire while wood can ignite, burn, and enable fire spread. Prioritize metal cabinets for document storage areas.

Are lateral file cabinets fireproof?

Lateral file cabinets feature drawer designs that open on the side rather than front. On their own, standard lateral metal cabinets provide only basic fire resistance. Look for lateral cabinets rated for 1-hour or 2-hour fire protection to be considered fireproof.

Can paper withstand a fire in a metal cabinet?

No, while metal cabinets provide some protection from external fire, prolonged exposure or extreme internal heat can still cause unprotected paper contents to ignite, char, or become damaged. For improved fireproofing, integrate fire-rated cabinets, insulation, sprinklers and fire suppressants.

Conclusion

Standard metal filing cabinets offer slightly better fire resistance versus wood or plastic, but are not completely fireproof. Choosing high-quality thick steel cabinets, adding internal cabinet insulation, installing sprinkler systems and using fire-rated waterproof cabinets provides optimal fire protection. Integrating several protective measures greatly minimizes the risk of record loss or damage from unexpected fires. With the right fireproofing precautions, metal cabinets can safely secure vital information assets.